Fraser Island is the LARGEST sand island in the world! Here’s how to experience it...

Talk to any backpacker planning on travelling, or has been travelling to Australia – and Fraser Island will pop up on the list of must dos! Fraser Island is located just a few hours north of Brisbane and is accessible by ferry from Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay. The only way to get around the island is by 4WD and the island’s long stretches of sand are actually registered highways – you will see speed limit signs alongside the ocean!

Image: Facebook / Visit Fraser Coast

The island’s beaches are quite rough and hence, not suitable for swimming. However – one of the reasons that make Fraser Island so unique, is that the island it home to some of the most beautiful, white sandy lakes in the world. Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek and Lake Wabby are three of the most popular.

Driving 20 minutes inland, you will find yourself immersed in Eucalyptus Forest. The island is rich with aboriginal culture and heritage and is also home to the Australian Dingo! During whale season (May to June) you may even be lucky enough to spot whales just off the coast.

Indian Heads Lookout is a must when visiting Fraser Island – offering 360 degree views of the ocean right through to mainland Australia. Maheno Shipwreck is also a sight not to be missed.

Image: www.rainbowbeachinfo.com.au

There are a number of tour options available:

3 Day / 2 Night 4WD Tag Along Safaris

To really experience Fraser Island we recommend a 3 Day / 2 Night 4WD Tag Along Safari. This option will group you with like minded travellers (a great way to meet new people and especially fun for those travelling alone). After organising yourselves into groups of 6 – 8 people, each group will be provided with a 4WD vehicle (which you can choose to drive if you have the required license), camping & cooking facilities, food & maps.

You will head out to Fraser Island in a convoy – exploring the island as a group, enjoying a camp fire meal beneath the stars & indulging in a ‘Castaway’ like experience. Why ‘Tag- Along?’ – there will be a professional driver dedicated to leading the entire 4WD convoy throughout the island. These tours depart from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay and require a night’s accommodation on the mainland before and after the tour.

If camping is not so much your thing, OR if you are REALLY short on time, then a guided tour may be the option for you! Guided Tours usually include dorm accommodation on Fraser Island (with private upgrades optional depending on the company), meals, a tour guide and pick up from your mainland accommodation. T

ours range from 1 Day, 2 Day & 3 Day. As Fraser Island IS the LARGEST sand island in the world, and the tides control your entry and exit times, we suggest at least a 2 or 3 Day Tour. Tours depart from Rainbow Beach, Hervey Bay, Noosa, Brisbane or the Gold Coast.

If you are REALLY short on time, ask the staff at your local Base hostel to explore whether one way pick up and drop off options are available (e.g. – pick up in Brisbane, drop off in Rainbow Beach – a great way to save a day in travel)!